Fed Governor Waller Supports 25-Basis-Point Rate Cut in December Citing Labor Market Pressures

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said on Nov. 18 he supports a 25-basis-point interest rate cut at the December meeting, citing concerns over labor market deterioration and its impact on middle- and lower-income consumers. Waller said upcoming employment data are unlikely to change his view that further easing is warranted, adding that inflation acceleration is not his primary concern. He characterized the December cut as a risk-management measure to prevent accelerated labor market weakening while moving policy toward a more neutral stance, and noted that tariffs would not have lasting inflationary impacts based on price data.